/ 14 October 2006

Six killed in fire at retirement home

Six elderly people were killed in a fire at an old age home in Krugersdorp, the Mogale City municipality said on Saturday.

”One person was taken to hospital in a serious condition,” said public safety director Jorrie Jordaan.

The fire broke out on the fourth floor of the Moria Old Age Home on Friday night. Its cause was not yet known.

While there was structural damage to part of the fourth floor, the rest of the building was ”fine”, said Jordaan.

”We’re reconnecting the water and electricity and cleaning up at the moment … it looks like we’ll move the residents back in by tomorrow [Sunday].”

He said insurance agents had yet to assess the financial extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, all 120 residents were being housed in other old age homes and guest lodges.

The municipality would assist in making funeral arrangements for the victims. Jordaan said he did not yet have their names. – Sapa